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YO! Sushi Farringdon Road is a vital gastronomic experience rather than simply a place to eat sushi. This exciting and visually appealing Japanese delicacy, almost a cuisine in itself and going back to the 4th century BC, is fast rising in popularity for reasons of both taste and health, as well as its companionable setting. The restaurants offer a range of delectable nibbles that are attractively presented and revolve on a gently moving belt in front of customers, allowing them to sample a real wealth of varieties and eat just what they like best as often as they wish.

Contrary to many people's perception of sushi as raw fish, it comes in many forms drawing heavily on rice, fish, vegetables and seafood but the great variety arises chiefly from the different fillings and toppings, condiments, and the way these are combined. Often the same ingredients may be assembled in a traditional or a contemporary way, yet creating widely differing tastes.

Some of the most popular types are sashimi rolls, made from raw or seared slices of salmon and tuna and meant to be eaten within a couple of hours of being put together. Other options include cones of seaweed with rice and fillings and the little boat shaped parcels called gunkans. Miso soups, salads and nigiri sushi made of rice with toppings all add to its strong visual appeal.

Great beers like Asahi Super Dry and Sapporo support the food superbly, as well as hot and cold sake for those who want to sustain the Japanese experience. The menu also has non-alcoholic drinks and a limited list of wines and champagne. For dessert try the dorayaki, mochi or settle for fresh fruit.

The experience of having a meal at YO! Sushi is enriched by the unique array that appears as if by magic before the diner, with its unique colour coded pricing system. But the real pull is the fresh, healthy and tasty food that keeps people returning to their outlets across the UK.

The Double Club lives up to its name; it is a restaurant and disco where the unusual coming together of Congolese culture and cuisine with its Western counterparts creates more than a flutter amongst those looking for an interesting evening. Primeval Afro beats and contemporary music spin in the disco area while the restaurant also features the double edge in terms of décor. Note for instance the chequered floor with hardwoods and French brasserie tiling, or the contemporary prints alongside the patterned walls, which always serves as a reminder that this is one of those places where the fusion concept has been remoulded to become a juxtaposition of sorts.

For the adventurous, the Congolese menu offers numerous delights such as large, spicy shrimps, fresh catfish cooked in marantacee leaves or yam leaves cooked in peanut paste and smoked salted fish. Otherwise, there are starters of crispy pork belly followed by slow roasted beef short ribs with root vegetables. Classic cocktails and imported beers from Congo make up the drinks list.

Cottons in Islington is one of those restaurants that are tropical in appearance, but cosmopolitan in attitude, while their Caribbean cuisine is a definite draw for those looking for a night out with friends and fun on their agenda. Downstairs there's another popular hotspot, the Rhum Jungle, a basement bar and lounge where you can chill out with some exciting cocktails and rums from all over the world.

Back in the restaurant, there is a choice of interesting starters such as ackee and salt fish tart with sorrel mayo and guava dressing or jerk beef fillets on a salad of mixed leaves, avocado and mango. Main courses could include curried goat with rice and peas or Trinidadian mixed fish curry with yam and sweet peppers. For dessert, the passion fruit mousse with cantuccini biscuits is simply delightful and beers as well as wines from the bar help the meal flow along at a wonderful pace.

If Brick Lane seems to be synonymous with reasonably priced and tasty Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, it is restaurants like Cinnamon which lend credibility to this fact. Flavoursome and traditional fare is served in a warm and elegant atmosphere by well trained staff members who extend their courtesy and make sure your visit is a memorable experience. The food has a unique taste due to the freshness of the herbs and spices which add that much acclaimed element of authenticity. Incredible offers combined with genuine good food have made this into a haven of curry loving public who just can't seem to keep away.

From the à la carte, you might find typical starters such as king prawn butterfly or a selection of sheek kababs. As a follow up, the duck tikka masala rates highly with the regular fare such as kormas, vindaloos, bhunas and rogans, at prices that will make you smile. Drinking options include Indian beers such as Cobra and a wine list that?s rather extensive, both offering some splendid choices.

Glamorous and enticing, the Loungelover is every party hopper's dream come true. This Whitby Street cocktail bar belongs to the renowned Les Trois Garçons restaurant but it might well be on a different planet altogether. You only need to take in their striking decor to understand why this has become a hub for all those who want a cool place to hang out with friends for a drink as well as something to eat. The charming Red Area, alight with Deco furniture and the Baroque Area with its floor to ceiling tapestry create a surreal but remarkable effect.

Food follows the route of bar snacks with an Asian twist, so typically expect small plates of crispy squid sprinkled with fresh chilli or try some of the sushi rolls, such as smoked salmon, cream cheese and sliced cucumber. More substantial meals come in the form of salmon pieces baked in a lime miso marinade. Naughtily named cocktails as well as a New World inspired wine list set the tone accurately.